Uzbekistan accelerates energy partnership with Türkiye, eyes green corridor

Uzbekistan is significantly advancing its energy partnership with Türkiye, with collaboration expanding from foundational infrastructure projects to ambitious regional green energy initiatives. The Central Asian nation's Energy Minister, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, emphasized that Turkish companies were the first to back Uzbekistan's reform agenda, particularly in launching its initial public-private partnership (PPP) models.

Turkish Firms as Pioneers in Reform and PPPs

Speaking after a recent meeting of the Organization of Turkic States in Istanbul, Minister Mirzamakhmudov credited Türkiye with providing crucial early support. "Türkiye and Turkish companies were the first to support us in those reforms," he stated, noting their role in establishing Uzbekistan's first PPP in electricity distribution in the Samarkand region. This cooperation has since broadened, with Turkish firms now active as contractors across power generation, distribution, and even district heating systems in the capital, Tashkent.

From Bilateral Projects to Regional Green Energy Hub

The collaboration is now entering a strategic phase focused on regional energy integration. A key project is the "green corridor" initiative with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to transmit renewable electricity, with Kyrgyzstan also interested and talks ongoing with Türkiye. "We're going from a regional-centered approach to inter-regional cooperation," the Minister explained, identifying this as one of the most vital partnerships with Türkiye. Concrete steps include forming working teams for feasibility studies and capacity assessment.

Open Invitation for Expanded Turkish Investment

Mirzamakhmudov extended a clear invitation for more Turkish investment in Uzbekistan's energy and mining sectors, pointing to available incentives and a win-win approach. The goal is to evolve from construction projects into joint production and value-added manufacturing, covering everything from electrical components to establishing a full regional mining hub. "We are open, and we welcome Turkish investors," he asserted, underscoring the strong political will driving the accelerated partnership between Tashkent and Ankara.